Subclass 400
For applicants with highly specialised skills, knowledge or experience to work for a short period for Australian businesses.
The 400 Short Stay Specialist Visa
The Subclass 400 visa is a temporary work visa designed for professionals with highly specialised skills, knowledge, or experience that is not generally available in the Australian labour market.
It is intended for short-term, non-ongoing work that supports Australian business without displacing local workers.
Key Factors:
The success of a Subclass 400 application hinges on proving that the work is Highly Specialised and Non-Ongoing.
- Highly Specialised: Work related to proprietary knowledge, niche expertise, or skills unavailable in Australia.
- Non-Ongoing: The work must have a clear end date and must not be a disguised long-term position.
Highly Specialised Work Stream
What it is for: Professionals entering to perform technical, niche, or proprietary work for an Australian organisation.
What it allows: Continuous work for the duration of the stay; travel in and out of Australia (if granted as multiple entry).
Key Requirements:
- Demonstrate highly specialised skills.
- Provide a letter of support from the Australian organisation.
- Prove the work is non-ongoing (typically 3 months or less).
Length of Stay: Up to 3 months (staysof up to 6 months may be granted in limited, highly compelling circumstances).
Australia's Interest Stream
What it is for: Work or activities that relate directly to compelling circumstances affecting Australia's national interest.
What it allows: Rapid entry for activities that provide a significant benefit to the Australian community or economy.
Key Requirements:
- Demonstrate a clear and compelling link to Australia's national interest (e.g., emergency disaster response or a major sporting event of national significance).
Length of Stay: Generally up to 3 months; 6 months may be facilitated for emergency crews (e.g., medivac).
Maintaining compliance
- Work Limitation: You are legally restricted to performing only the work or activity for which the visa was granted.
- Non-Ongoing Nature: You must not seek to remain in Australia indefinitely or string multiple 400 visas together to perform the same task.
- Employer Obligations: The inviting organization must ensure that employment does not adversely affect the training or employment opportunities of Australians.
Special Cases & Industry-Specific Applications
Offshore Oil & Gas
Specialist crew for decommissioning rigs or laying undersea pipes.
Maritime & Dry Dock
Contractors for large cruise ship refits where proprietary knowledge of the vessel is required.
Intra-Company Transfers
Internal auditors or project managers on short-term secondment to an Australian branch.
Emergency Stand-by
Technicians or medical crews on stand-by to travel at short notice for unanticipated equipment breakdowns or medivac flights.
For 400 Visa Applicants
The Subclass 400 is for defined, short-term projects and is not a substitute for the Subclass 482 visa. If the Department determines the role is an ongoing vacancy, the application will be refused.
At Immilex, we assess your project plans to verify that the work is both specialised and non-ongoing. Furthermore, for projects requiring recurring travel, a multiple-entry facility must be requested at lodgement to ensure the visa remains valid after your first departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
While possible, the Subclass 400 is not designed as a "stepping stone." You must meet the distinct requirements of the 482, and the Department will scrutinise whether the original 400 application was genuinely for short-term work. 400 visas are very frequently granted with Condition 8503 (No Further Stay). If this condition is attached, the applicant is legally blocked from lodging visas.
Yes, but you must include them in your application at the time you apply; there is no "subsequent entrant" pathway to add them later. Any family members included are not permitted to work or study in Australia, and you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support them during your stay.
Yes, provided the trade is "highly specialised."